Reducing violence against women and girls by half in the next ten years will necessitate a shift in societal norms, according to a government minister.
During the Labour party conference in Liverpool, Home Office Minister Alex Davies-Jones emphasized the importance of prioritizing the safety of women and girls and highlighted the bravery of survivors as a driving force behind her efforts.
Ms. Davies-Jones stressed the need for collective action across all government departments, moving away from viewing the issue solely through the lens of criminal justice. She emphasized the significance of a united approach from departments like Education, Health, Housing, and the Department for Work and Pensions to ensure the safety of women and girls.
The minister outlined a comprehensive strategy spanning a decade that not only requires adequate funding but also focuses on instigating cultural change, strong political leadership, and reshaping public perceptions to garner widespread support.
The proposed measures to combat violence include the implementation of policies such as Raneem’s Law, deploying domestic abuse specialists in emergency call centers, introducing legislation on various forms of abuse, and ensuring disclosure protocols for sexual abusers changing their identities.
Last year, Keir Starmer committed to halving Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) within ten years. Recent data revealed alarming statistics, with nearly two out of every 100 adults in England and Wales experiencing sexual assault in the year leading to March.
According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), approximately 900,000 individuals over 16 reported instances of sexual assault, including attempted offenses, during that period. The data also highlighted that one in eight women faced domestic abuse, sexual assault, or stalking within the same timeframe.
The minister also shared her encounters with inspiring women, acknowledging the emotional weight of their stories but drawing strength from their resilience to drive her commitment to effecting positive change.
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